Motor Vehicle Registration Guide
Motor Vehicle Registration is the official procedure of adding a vehicle to the government’s record system. This is usually handled by a regulatory body like the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or a provincial transport authority. Registering a vehicle legally confirms its ownership and ensures the vehicle complies with safety standards and tax requirements.
To register your vehicle, you’ll typically need to submit ownership proof, valid identification, insurance papers, and pay the required fees. After registration, license plates and a registration sticker are issued, both of which need to be renewed regularly—usually once a year. Driving an unregistered vehicle is against the law and may result in heavy fines, penalties, or even having the vehicle impounded. That’s why it’s important to keep your registration current.
When the Original Buyer Is Registering an Unregistered Vehicle
If you are the first owner and have not yet registered your newly purchased vehicle, you will need:
- Form F (Motor Vehicle Registration Application)
- A valid copy of a government-issued photo ID (such as CNIC)
- The original sales certificate of the vehicle
- All authentic and original sales documents
- Payment of all applicable taxes, registration fees, and number plate charges
When the Original Buyer Sells an Unregistered Vehicle
If the original purchaser sells the vehicle before it is registered, the following documents are required:
- Form F (Application for Motor Vehicle Registration)
- A copy of the seller’s CNIC
- The original first sale certificate of the vehicle
- The initial sales invoice
- Payment of all registration, tax, and number plate fees
- The Motor Vehicle Transfer Order Form
- Valid proof of purchase for the new owner
- A copy of the new owner’s CNIC (if an individual)
New Motor Vehicle Registration Fees
| Category | Fee/Rate |
|---|---|
| Motorcycles / Scooters | |
| Up to 70cc | PKR 1,000 |
| 71cc to 100cc | PKR 1,500 |
| 101cc to 125cc | PKR 2,000 |
| 126cc to 150cc | PKR 2,500 |
| Above 150cc | 2% of the vehicle’s value |
| Trucks, Tractors, Buses, Rickshaws, Taxis | 1% of the vehicle’s value |
| Special Machinery (Harvesters, Forklifts, Sewerage Equipment, etc.) | PKR 300 each |
| Other Vehicles | |
| Not exceeding 1000cc | 1% of the vehicle’s value |
| 1001cc to 2000cc | 2% of the vehicle’s value |
| Above 2000cc | 4% of the vehicle’s value |
Ownership Transfer
If you’re transferring ownership of a registered vehicle, these documents must be submitted:
- A valid Transfer Order (T.O.) Form
- CNIC photocopies of both the seller and buyer
- Passport-size photos of the witnesses
- Original and updated registration certificate (with current token tax paid)
- For vehicles under the File Return Scheme, submit original registration documents
- If applicable, include a duplicate registration certificate
- Submit all documents using the prescribed transfer form
Transfer Fee Structure
| Vehicle Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Motorcycles, Scooters, Small Vehicles | PKR 550 |
| Heavy Transport Vehicles (HTV) | PKR 5,500 |
| Other Vehicles | |
| Up to 1000cc | PKR 2,750 |
| 1001cc to 1800cc | PKR 5,500 |
| Above 1800cc | PKR 11,000 |
Lost or Stolen Registration Certificate (RC)
If your registration certificate has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you’ll need to:
- File a Police Report for the stolen or lost certificate
- If the certificate is damaged, attach it with application form
- Submit a copy of your CNIC
- Provide the updated token tax certificate (except for motorcycles)
- For vehicles under the File Return Scheme, include the original registration documents
Fee for Duplicate Registration Books
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Motorcycles & Cars | PKR 1,300 |
| HTVs, Rickshaws, and Others | PKR 1,300 |
Ending a Hire Purchase Agreement (HPA)
If your vehicle was purchased under a hire purchase agreement and you wish to conclude it:
- Submit a simple application written by the lessee
- Provide a no-objection certificate (NOC) or written permission from the lessor
- A valid copy of the applicant’s CNIC
- A registration certificate showing payment of the token tax
- For vehicles registered under the File Return Scheme, include the original file or documents
Changing the Vehicle’s Engine Number
If you’ve installed a new engine in your vehicle, you must update the registration:
- Receipt of the new engine purchase
- Applicant’s CNIC photocopy
- Form F, filled with details including the new engine number
- The registration certificate with updated token tax
- For File Return Scheme vehicles, submit the original registration file or document
Vehicle Modification
If any modifications have been made to your vehicle:
- Submit Form F with full modification details and approval from the Vehicle Examiner
- Applicant’s CNIC copy
- The updated registration certificate with proof of token tax payment
- Original registration file (if the car is under the File Return Scheme)
- For tie-up vehicles, a fitness certificate from the Motor Vehicle Examiner
Vehicle Ownership Certificate
To apply for a certificate confirming vehicle ownership:
- A written request from the registered owner on plain paper
- A photocopy of the applicant’s CNIC
- For File Return Scheme vehicles, include the original registration document or file
- A valid registration certificate with current token tax payment
Conclusion
Motor Vehicle Registration is not just a legal requirement—it’s a responsibility that ensures your ownership is officially recognized, your vehicle is road-safe, and all due taxes are paid. Whether you’re registering a new vehicle, transferring ownership, replacing lost documents, or updating key information like engine numbers or modifications, each step requires accurate documentation and timely action.
